Everyday Examples of Emergence

By Peter Tyson

Posted 07.01.07

NOVA scienceNOW

What is the phenomenon known as emergence? Birds, atmospheric disturbances, and city dwellers self-organize, giving rise to flocks, hurricanes, and distinct neighborhoods. Such entirely new properties and behaviors "emerge," with no one directing and no one able to foresee the new characteristics from knowledge of the constituents alone. In this slide show, see how emergence pervades our world.

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